NUC Increases Study Duration for the Following Medical Courses to Six Years.

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The National Universities Commission (NUC) has announced a significant upgrade to pharmacy, physiotherapy, and optometry programs in Nigerian universities. Students pursuing these fields will now spend six years instead of five to graduate, and upon completion, they will be awarded a doctoral degree instead of a bachelor’s degree ¹.

The NUC’s acting Director of Public Affairs, Franca Chukwuonwo, explained that the decision was made to align Nigerian universities with international standards. The commission stated, “The National Universities Commission, cognizant of the need to keep abreast with global perspectives on programs and course delivery in the university education space, had carried out some nomenclature change and upgraded programs from bachelor’s degree to doctor (bachelor’s degree with clinical sessions) status in Nigerian universities.”

The upgraded programs include:

– *Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D)*

– *Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT)*

– *Doctor of Optometry (O.D. Doctor of Optometry)*

The NUC emphasized that this upgrade will provide students with more comprehensive training, including additional clinical sessions, foundation courses, and specialty areas. This, in turn, will enhance the global competitiveness of Nigerian graduates and ensure their certificates are recognized internationally.

In addition, the NUC warned prospective students against applying for the Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science program, as it has not been approved.

The commission emphasized that the Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science program is not contained in its Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards or Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards. It stated, “The general public and all stakeholders are hereby informed that the Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science programme does not exist in the NUC’s BMAS or CCMAS and thus has not been captured as an upgraded programme.”

The NUC advised admission seekers to be cautious and verify the accreditation status of any program before applying. It also warned universities against offering unauthorized programs, stating that such actions would be considered a violation of the commission’s regulations.

With the upgraded programs in pharmacy, physiotherapy, and optometry, the NUC aims to enhance the quality of education in these fields and produce highly skilled professionals who can compete globally. The commission’s efforts to align Nigerian universities with international standards are expected to have a positive impact on the country’s healthcare sector and beyond.

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